While virtually eliminated in the United States,
polio
is a serious illness caused by a virus that still brings misery in many parts of the world. It can cause aseptic
meningitis
,
flu-like symptoms
, paralysis, or even death.
The polio virus can be spread by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with the virus. It can also be spread through person-to-person contact (eg, kissing) or fecal-oral contact, which is more likely to occur in unsanitary conditions.
Anyone can develop this infection, but it mainly affects children under five years old. Also, it is more likely to lead to paralysis in certain people, including those with an immune deficiency, pregnant women, those who have had their tonsils removed, those who take intramuscular injections, those who strenuously exercise, and those who are injured.
Before the 1950s, when the polio vaccine was developed, this disease affected thousands of children each year. But the use of the vaccine has made polio very rare in developed nations.
Symptoms include:
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Meningitis
- Paralysis
There is no cure for polio, but treatments to manage the symptoms of the disease include antibiotics, pain medications, ventilators to facilitate breathing, exercise, and a healthful diet.
The polio vaccine used today is made of inactivated polio virus. In the past, an oral vaccine containing live polio vaccine was used. But since there is a small risk of getting polio from the oral vaccine, it is no longer recommended. Today's polio vaccine is given by injection into the arm or leg. It should be stored in a refrigerator prior to administration.
The polio vaccine is recommended for all children. It is given in four doses, at two, four, and 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. Certain higher risk adults who did not receive the polio vaccine as children should talk with their doctors about whether they should get it. These include people traveling to areas of the world where polio is common, laboratory workers who handle the polio virus, and healthcare workers who treat patients who may have polio. For these adults, they will get an initial dose of the vaccine followed by a second 1-2 months later, and a third 6-12 months afterward.
Most people have no problems with the polio vaccine. However, some people experience soreness around the area the shot was given. Like all vaccines, the polio vaccine carries a very small risk of serious reaction, such as a severe allergic reaction. Since the injectable polio vaccine does not contain live polio virus, there is no risk of polio from the vaccine.
People who are allergic to the medications neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B, or have had an allergic reaction to a previous polio vaccine should not get the vaccine. People with minor illnesses (eg, a
cold
) can get vaccinated, but people with moderate to severe illnesses should wait until they recover before getting the polio vaccine.
Avoiding unsanitary conditions and practicing good personal hygiene (eg, washing your hands regularly) can prevent polio.
In the event of a polio outbreak, all people who have not received the polio vaccine should receive it. The United States maintains an emergency stockpile of the oral polio vaccine, since it is the only vaccine recommended to control outbreaks of polio, and it has been shown to be effective in controlling an outbreak.
